Defense & Military
REGENT Completes Maiden Flight of Squire Autonomous Seaglider Drone
REGENT’s Squire autonomous seaglider drone completed its first flight, showcasing runway-independent logistics and reconnaissance for the US military.
This article is based on an official press release from REGENT.
REGENT Completes Maiden Flight of “Squire” Autonomous Seaglider Drone
On April 13, 2026, Rhode Island-based aerospace company REGENT (Regional Electric Ground Effect Nautical Transport) successfully conducted the maiden flight of its “Squire” autonomous seaglider drone. Taking place in Narragansett Bay, the event marks the first flight of a defense-specific wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) craft in the United States. According to the company’s press release, the Squire is designed to provide high-speed, runway-independent logistics and reconnaissance capabilities for the U.S. military.
The successful demonstration was officially cleared by the United States Coast Guard, which serves as the primary regulator for seaglider vessels. By bridging the gap between maritime vessels and aviation, REGENT aims to sustain dispersed military forces in contested maritime environments, particularly supporting the U.S. Marine Corps in the Indo-Pacific region.
During the test, the drone reached speeds of 40 knots as it became airborne. The company noted that the Squire’s development runs parallel to the sea trials of REGENT’s “Viceroy” prototype, a larger, 12-passenger commercial seaglider. This parallel testing allows the manufacturer to share data and accelerate both its commercial and defense programs.
The Mechanics of the Squire Seaglider
Wing-in-Ground (WIG) Technology
According to REGENT, the Squire operates using the wing-in-ground (WIG) effect. A WIG craft flies just a few feet above the water’s surface, at an altitude roughly equal to or less than half its wingspan. This aerodynamic profile traps compressed air between the wings and the water, creating a “cushion” that significantly reduces drag and increases lift. This allows the vehicle to travel faster and carry heavier payloads more efficiently than conventional boats or aircraft. REGENT classifies the Squire as a “USA-V” (Unmanned Surface and Aerial Vehicle), combining the persistent presence of an unmanned surface vessel with the speed of an unmanned aerial vehicle.
Flight Profile and Specifications
The recent demonstration showcased the Squire’s autonomous ability to transition through three distinct modes of travel. In “Hull Mode,” the craft floats and maneuvers on its boat-like hull. It then accelerates into “Foil Mode,” utilizing retractable hydrofoils to lift the hull out of the water and drastically reduce hydrodynamic drag. Finally, it enters “Flight Mode” by retracting the foils and taking off into wing-in-ground-effect flight.
While the test flight hit 40 knots, REGENT states that the fully operational Squire is being built to reach a top speed of up to 70 knots (approximately 81 mph) with an operational range of over 100 nautical miles. The drone features a payload capacity of 50 pounds, housed in a payload bay measuring 14 inches long, 12 inches high, and 14 inches wide, providing 2,400 cubic inches of internal volume. The company highlights that this internally mounted bay is designed for rapid reconfiguration by a two-person crew requiring minimal specialized training.
Strategic Military Applications
Solving Contested Logistics
The U.S. Marine Corps and the broader joint force are actively seeking solutions to sustain small, distributed units across vast maritime spaces. According to the provided research, the Squire addresses a critical vulnerability in “contested logistics” because it does not rely on traditional infrastructure like deep-water ports, roads, or airfields, which are highly susceptible to enemy strikes. REGENT is explicitly positioning the platform as a strategic asset to counter anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
The drone is optimized for a variety of mission sets, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), tailored logistics and resupply, combat search and rescue (CSAR), counter-narcotics, and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) support. Furthermore, its low-altitude flight profile gives it a low radar signature, keeping it below conventional line-of-sight radar systems.
To date, REGENT has been awarded $15 million in contracts by the U.S. Marine Corps. Earlier in 2026, REGENT leadership presented the Squire program to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and senior military staff, emphasizing its potential to rapidly close time-critical logistical gaps in the field.
Leadership Perspectives
Company executives emphasized the strategic importance of the successful test flight in their official statements.
“This successful flight milestone is a major success for our defense program and a strong signal of what Seaglider technology can deliver for the warfighter. There are no products in the market today that combine the speed and wave tolerance of Squire at such a compelling price point. This will revolutionize maritime warfare.”
“Defense customers require platforms that can operate across wide maritime areas with speed, range, and mission flexibility, without relying on traditional and often vulnerable infrastructure. Squire is designed to meet that exact need.”
AirPro News analysis
We view the successful flight of the Squire as a fascinating intersection of historical physics and modern autonomous technology. The wing-in-ground effect is not a new concept, it was most famously utilized during the Cold War by the Soviet Union’s massive “Caspian Sea Monster” ekranoplans. However, applying this aerodynamic principle to a compact, autonomous, all-electric drone solves a very modern U.S. military aircraft problem. As the Pentagon shifts its focus toward distributed maritime operations in the Indo-Pacific, the ability to supply troops on remote islands without relying on easily targetable runways is paramount. The “runway-free” nature of the Squire, combined with its low radar signature, positions it as a highly relevant tool for modern naval and amphibious warfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a seaglider?
A seaglider is a type of wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) craft that operates a few feet above the water’s surface. It combines the operational characteristics of a boat with the speed and aerodynamics of an aircraft, utilizing a cushion of trapped air to reduce drag and increase efficiency.
How fast can the REGENT Squire fly?
During its maiden test flight, the Squire reached speeds of 40 knots. However, the fully operational production model is designed to achieve a top speed of up to 70 knots (approximately 81 mph).
Who regulates the testing and operation of seagliders?
In the United States, seagliders are primarily regulated as maritime vessels. The recent testing of the Squire in Narragansett Bay was officially cleared by the United States Coast Guard.
Sources: REGENT
Photo Credit: REGENT
Defense & Military
CBP AMO Orders 10 Airbus H125 Helicopters for Fleet Expansion
CBP Air and Marine Operations contracts for 10 Airbus H125 helicopters, expanding a 30-year fleet of over 100 rotary-wing aircraft.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP AMO) has finalized a contract to acquire 10 additional Airbus H125 helicopters, expanding a fleet modernization effort that relies heavily on the single-engine platform for border security and law enforcement missions.
In a press release issued on July 7, 2026, Airbus confirmed the agreement, which reinforces a three-decade relationship between the federal agency and the aerospace manufacturer. The new helicopters will be assembled at the Airbus Helicopters production facility in Columbus, Mississippi.
Expanding the airborne law enforcement fleet
The latest acquisition builds upon a previous order placed in August 2020, when CBP AMO contracted for 16 H125 helicopters to upgrade its aging rotary-wing assets. The agency currently operates a total fleet of more than 240 aircraft, which includes over 100 helicopters from the Airbus H120 and H125 families delivered over the past 30 years.
The H125, formerly known as the Eurocopter AS350, is utilized by CBP AMO for a variety of demanding flight profiles, including border surveillance, suspect pursuit, and general public safety operations across the United States.
Bart Reijnen, Head of the North America Region for Airbus Helicopters, stated that the expansion “underscores the long-standing collaboration” between the manufacturer and the federal agency. He added that the selection highlights the trust placed in the H125 to execute critical public safety missions under demanding conditions, with Airbus committing to provide comprehensive services to maintain mission readiness.
Virtual reality integration for pilot training
As CBP AMO increases its H125 inventory, the agency is simultaneously overhauling how it trains the personnel who fly them. In November 2025, CBP became the first federal law enforcement agency and the first branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to integrate virtual reality into its aerial training program.
According to reporting by FLYING Magazine, the agency awarded a contract to adopt an FAA-qualified Airbus H125 virtual reality flight simulator developed by Loft Dynamics. The simulator is being installed at the CBP AMO training center in Oklahoma City, where it will be used to train the agency’s roster of more than 600 pilots.
AirPro News analysis
We view CBP AMO’s continued investment in the H125 platform as a clear indicator of the agency’s preference for fleet commonality. Operating a standardized fleet of over 100 H125-family helicopters significantly reduces maintenance overhead, streamlines supply chains, and simplifies pilot transition training. Furthermore, Airbus’s strategy of assembling these aircraft in Columbus, Mississippi, likely plays a crucial role in navigating federal procurement requirements, ensuring that the European manufacturer remains highly competitive for U.S. government contracts. The parallel investment in Loft Dynamics’ VR simulators suggests the agency is preparing for a sustained, long-term operational lifespan for the H125 fleet.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
Bombardier Defense Signs 10-Year Support Deal With Sweden
Bombardier Defense and FMV finalized a 10-year support agreement for Sweden’s two Global 6500 TP 106 military transport aircraft.
Bombardier Defense and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) finalized a 10-year Services Support Agreement on July 22, 2026, securing long-term maintenance and operational readiness for Sweden’s newly acquired fleet of two Global 6500 transport aircraft.
Announced during the Farnborough International Airshow in a company press release, the agreement enrolls the Swedish Armed Forces (SWEAF) in Bombardier’s Smart Services Defense program. The comprehensive support package covers parts, labor, and engineering expertise for the aircraft, which are designated as the TP 106 in Swedish military service and replace the nation’s aging Gulfstream IV and Gulfstream G550 head-of-state transport fleet.
Fleet modernization and delivery timeline
The targeted acquisition deal for the two aircraft was valued at SEK 1.1 billion ($113 million) and formalized in May 2025, according to reporting by Aviation International News. The rapid procurement was enabled by utilizing existing airframes previously operated in Bombardier’s demonstration fleet, which were subsequently modified to meet Swedish Military-Aircraft requirements.
The formal handover of the aircraft took place on June 1, 2026, at the Uppland Wing F 16, as reported by Nordic Defence Sector. The aircraft will be operated by the 75th Swedish Civil Aviation Squadron at Skaraborg’s F7 Air Fleet, based at Stockholm Arlanda Airports (ARN), primarily conducting VIP and head-of-state transport missions.
Smart Services Defense and operational commonality
The 10-year agreement provides comprehensive cost coverage and logistical support for the new fleet. Bombardier stated the program includes landing gear and auxiliary power unit maintenance, ground support equipment, technical assistance, and access to mobile response teams.
Paul Sislian, Bombardier’s Executive Vice President of Aircraft Sales and Aftermarket Services, noted the program provides seamless original equipment OEMs support for the Swedish military.
“Through our Smart Services Defense program, the Swedish Armed Forces will benefit from seamless OEM support, enhanced readiness and predictable lifestyle costs, giving them the confidence to stay focused on the mission while we support their aircraft every step of the way,” Sislian said.
The selection of the Global 6500 platform offers strategic maintenance and operational commonality with Sweden’s incoming airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) fleet. The Swedish Armed Forces are procuring the Saab GlobalEye, designated the S 106, which is also built upon the Bombardier Global aircraft family architecture.
AirPro News analysis
The 10-year support agreement underscores a growing trend among defense ministries to rely on commercial OEMs for turnkey lifecycle support rather than developing bespoke military maintenance pipelines for commercial derivative aircraft. By aligning the TP 106 VIP transport fleet with the underlying platform of the S 106 GlobalEye, the Swedish Armed Forces are establishing a unified logistical footprint. We view this procurement Strategy as a highly efficient approach to fleet modernization, reducing training burdens for maintenance personnel and ensuring higher dispatch reliability through Bombardier’s established global civilian support network.
Sources: Bombardier
Photo Credit: Bombardier
Defense & Military
EU Funds SHARP Project for Next-Gen Military Helicopter Engine
The EU allocated €25M to the SHARP consortium, 25 partners from 12 countries developing Europe’s next military helicopter engine by 2040.
The European Commission has allocated approximately €25 million through the European Defence Fund to back a multinational consortium developing the propulsion architecture for Europe’s next generation of military helicopters.
Announced on June 11, 2026, at the ILA Berlin airshow, the Sovereign High-performance Architecture for Rotorcraft Propulsion (SHARP) project brings together 25 partners from 12 European countries. According to a joint press release from Safran Helicopter Engines, MTU Aero Engines, and Avio Aero, the initiative will establish the technological foundation for the European Next Generation Helicopter Engine (ENGHE), which is targeted to enter service in 2040.
Addressing an aging military rotorcraft fleet
The SHARP initiative aligns with broader European defense goals to replace a rapidly aging fleet of military aircraft under the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) and European Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies (ENGRT) programs. The current European inventory includes approximately 1,800 transport helicopters and 600 combat helicopters, which currently average 20 years of age. By the 2040s, many of these aircraft will have been in service for over 50 years.
“In light of a continuously aging European fleet of military helicopters the need is obvious: From 2040 onwards, a large proportion of these rotorcraft will have to be replaced,” said Dr. Ottmar Pfänder, Chief Program Officer at MTU Aero Engines. “We joined forces across the continent to underline the importance of this technology program. It will further reinforce European sovereignty and strengthen the European supply chain.”
The funding will be used to develop scalable technological building blocks that can be adapted to various weight classes and mission profiles required by future European armed forces.
Collaborative framework and European sovereignty
The SHARP project builds upon the foundation of the EUropean Military Rotorcraft Engine Alliance (EURA), a 50/50 joint venture established in July 2024 between Safran Helicopter Engines and MTU Aero Engines specifically to develop the ENGHE. The consortium has now expanded to include Avio Aero, broadening the industrial base tasked with designing the new powerplant.
Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Cédric Goubet stated that the funding demonstrates Europe’s commitment to self-reliance and technological sovereignty for future military platforms, thanking the European Union and participating nations for their confidence in the consortium’s capabilities.
“SHARP marks an important milestone in the journey toward Europe’s next-generation rotorcraft engine and reinforces the value of collaboration in developing sovereign, high-performance propulsion technologies,” said Riccardo Procacci, CEO of Avio Aero. “We are proud to partner with EURA on this initiative, contributing within a fully European framework while leveraging Avio Aero’s well-established expertise and know-how.”
EURA CEO Wolfgang Gärtner confirmed that the joint venture is prepared to coordinate the multinational team to provide modern technologies to European forces.
AirPro News analysis
The €25 million European Defence Fund grant represents a critical early step in aligning Europe’s fragmented defense aerospace sector behind a single rotorcraft propulsion program. By formalizing the SHARP consortium now, the European Union is actively working to prevent the development of competing, incompatible national engine programs that have historically complicated European defense procurement and increased long-term maintenance costs. We view the inclusion of Avio Aero alongside the EURA joint venture as a strong indicator that the ENGHE program is successfully consolidating the continent’s primary propulsion manufacturers ahead of the 2040 target.
Sources: Safran Group
Photo Credit: Safran Group
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